Travel expert Simon Calder has issued a stark warning to Brits planning holidays in June, July and August, urging them to check their passports before travelling to avoid 'wrecked holidays'. Speaking on BBC Radio 2, Calder highlighted that 'thousands upon thousands' of people have already been caught out and missed their flights due to passport issues.
The warning comes after James Luton was denied boarding on a flight to Portugal for his 50th birthday because his passport was issued more than 10 years ago, even though it had not expired. Calder explained that for travel to the EU or Schengen areas, passports must be less than 10 years old on the day of entry and valid for at least three months after the planned return date.
Calder emphasised: 'If you are going to the EU apart from Ireland, you cannot have a passport older than 10 years on the day you enter. It is the only part of the world that cares about when your passport is issued.' He urged holidaymakers to check whether their passport has had its 10th birthday on the day they travel and has at least three months left on the return date.
The issue primarily affects holders of burgundy passports, as blue passports issued from 2020 onwards are automatically compliant. However, Calder noted that children's blue passports, which are typically valid for only five years, should also be checked. Before 2018, passports could remain valid for up to 10 years and nine months due to rolled-over months from old passports, but this practice was discontinued.
